The Ascendance

Chapter 49 - The Gift

"Let's discuss your thoughts on which orphanage the company should help. Everyone should participate since Sir Fenril wants to hear you out," Joffiel said.

They became attentive and more interested because they also want their boss to be impressed.

Everyone said their thoughts. All of them have the same vote, just like Joffiel has decided what orphanage to pursue. She's happy that her teammates really deserve to be in their department.

"We have the same decision. It means that we can now start this project. Maori and Jas will help Meika and her team for the information needed for the financial aspect," Joffiel said.

"What is our next step?" Carlo asked.

"Except in donating money, we need to think of a program where Sir Fenril can join and let the children interact with him," Joffiel said.

"Alright, leave this to us. We already experienced doing this kind of work," Jessica said. She smiled at Joffiel and tapped her shoulder. "I am glad that the orphanage I grew up, is the one we will help."

"Since you know about them, it would be easier for us to know what they like. If we need to hire clowns or make some games for them. I will let you decide which are the best activities we should perform," Joffiel said.

Jessica felt excited and happy because Joffiel trusted the activities to her. She's constantly helping the orphanage as long as she can. She is spending her weekend playing with the kids and taking care of them. She loves to buy treats just to make them happy.

Joffiel reported to Fenril what their decision was. Fenril immediately approved it and called Meika to settle the amount they need to donate.

"Do you have plans for the main event for the orphanage? I am sorry if I was not able to join your first interview. Let me and Meika handle the second interview of the chosen orphanage. Finalize the activities for the children and also those who are taking care of the orphanage. Let me know or tell Meika how much it would cost," Fenril said.

"We are already planning for the activities, Sir Fenril. I will update both of you once we have definite plans," Joffiel answered.

"This is also noted, Sir Fenril. Joffiel and I will work hard for this," Meika said.

Joffiel invited Meika to join them at lunch time. She wants to ask Meika if she was also invited by Sir Fenril on his birthday. If Meika is working here for too long, then she already knows when Sir Fenril's birthday is. Joffiel thought to herself.

When Joffiel and Shane went to the canteen, they already saw Meika. Meika called and told them that she reserved seats for Joffiel and Shane.

"Why are some of the employees looking in our direction?" Joffiel asked.

Meika and Shane laughed. Joffiel has no idea what's really happening. She keeps noticing someone looking in their direction, especially when she starts to become close to Meika.

"You really don't know what position we are at, right?" Meika asked.

"What do you mean?" Joffiel asked again.

"Maybe they can't believe that the directors are eating in the canteen. They know how high the position of the directors of our company are. They will think that you guys don't belong here and would like to eat more delicious food inside your office," Shane explained.

"Isn't it normal? Even Realyn used to eat here in our canteen," Joffiel said.

"Because she wanted to watch over you. She's planning to bring you down, just like what she did to other directors," Meika said.

Now, everything is cleared. It made Joffiel think that it is better to always eat in the canteen so that other employees won't feel low just because of food. She wants them to think in a positive way and normalize seeing higher positions than others can also do small things just like their usual doing.

"Then I will always eat here so that they won't think highly of me. I'm just a simple person with a life goal," Joffiel said.

"Well, I would love to join you. I will do the same thing even if we are not always eating at the same time," Meika said.

"Wow! The two directors in front of me are having the same thoughts. This is my first time having lunch with the finance and accounting director. It makes me happy seeing you not competing with each other just like what others are doing," Shane said.

They laughed and talked about the past directors and how they ended up resigning to the company. The department of Joffiel really has a problem having regular directors. After the 6 months contract, no one is extending their contract. Some of them claimed that they were being bullied but Realyn was smart and made the other directors look like a liar.

"Wait, there is one thing I want to ask about the coming event, Meika," Joffiel said.

"What is it?" Meika asked.

"Are you invited on Sir Fenril's birthday celebration?" Joffiel asked.

Meika looked confused which made Joffiel feel strange.

"As far as I know, he's not inviting people from this company, not unless you are close to him just like Ashe and Drew. Why did you ask?" Meika answered.

"Is that so? But does the company have activities coming for Christmas?" Joffiel asked again.

Shane and Meika explained the bonuses they will receive on Christmas. Aside from the 13th month pay, they will still get a Christmas bonus depending on the employees' hard work and attendance.

"There is also a Christmas party before having a Christmas vacation. Usually the date is around December 16 to 20," Meika said, excitedly.

"I am wondering why you don’t know about this," Shane added.

"This is my first time having to work, that's why. I didn't know there were incentives. This is good news for us, especially to those who have family to support," Joffiel said.

Since they have bonuses or incentives, Joffiel is thinking of what kind of gift she should give to Fenril.

When she is working at the coffee shop, she keeps on thinking of what kind of artwork Fenril does like. Maybe I should ask some guy to help me out? Joffiel thought to herself.

"Hey, Joffiel! I am back with my hubby to be your customer," Snow said.

"Hello! Come in and find a comfortable table for you two," Joffiel said.

Joffiel handed them their menu. She got an idea who she should ask. Andrew helped Joffiel to get the orders of the couple.

When she's about to leave, Snow stopped Joffiel. She said, "Can you stay here for a little while. I want to announce something."

"What is it? I can see that you are so excited about it," Joffiel said.

"Well, you know what? My husband and I will be having twin babies. I didn't know I was almost 2 months pregnant. The result showed two babies. I am really excited to become a mom," Snow announced.

Joffiel covered her mouth due to shock. She is indeed happy for Snow. She can't wait to see the babies of Snow.

"Wow! I am so happy for the both of you. Congratulations! Because of that, I will treat you, one whole cake," Joffiel greeted.

"Thank you, Joffiel. I am at ease now since you helped me before. Everyone is being kind to me. Less stress too," Snow said.

"I'm glad to know it. Wait for me, I will get the cake for you," Joffiel said.

Joffiel paid the whole cake just like what she promised. She puts a congratulatory cake topper. Other staff are watching Joffiel. They are allowing customers to buy a whole cake so they have stocks of different cake toppers.

"Wow! They are lucky to get our best seller cake for free," Andrew said.

"The woman is my workmate at Azazel Company. She's having twin babies so I want them to have a simple celebration in our shop," Joffiel explained.

"That's why. I got it. Go and celebrate with them. I will handle the other customers," Andrew said.

Joffiel nodded and then went directly to the table of Snow and his husband.

"Once again, congratulations!" Joffiel greeted them again.

"Thank you, Joffiel. This means a lot to us. Can't wait to see my babies. I know they are very healthy. They are kind since I still don't get hurt because of pregnancy," Snow said.

"As far as I know, you have 2 months vacation leave when your due date is near. Then we will have Christmas and New Year vacation. Take care of yourself and don't forget to eat nutritious food," Joffiel said.

"I am always excited when Christmas is near. We will get our bonus and incentives. I'm going to use it for my babies," Snow said.

After the couple ate, Joffiel assisted them again. She's getting the right time to ask Snow's husband what a man would like to receive. Snow is talkative and has a lot of topics so Joffiel cannot get a chance to ask.

Joffiel sighed when the couple bid goodbye and went home. I will ask Keidi later. I hope he has something on his mind. Joffiel thought to herself.

"What's on your mind?" Keidi asked.

"Well, I am thinking of a gift for Sir Fenril. I was invited to his birthday party. He's rich so probably he can just buy all things. Can you suggest a not so expensive gift but full of effort?" Joffiel said.

"It's really hard to give gifts to rich people. You don't know if they will really use your gift or just give it to someone else," Keidi said.

"I am thinking of giving him a painting made by myself. Do you think he will like it? What else should I do?" Joffiel said.

Keidi looked at the ceiling while thinking of a gift. Andrew suddenly went beside them and was curious what they were thinking. Joffiel also asked Andrew.

"Perhaps you can paint his portrait? Can you draw his face?" Andrew asked.

"I will try. If I ever fail, what else can I do?" Joffiel asked.

"Bake a cake or cookies? It's your favorite thing to do so why not try it? Put it in a box together with your artwork. I bet he will like it," Keidi suggested.

"That's right. Add a handwritten message that you made it for him. I bet he would really like it," Andrew interjected.

"Why do I feel that it's a girlfriend thingy?" Joffiel asked.

Joffiel feels awkward giving such a thing, but she has no other options. Plus, she's quite sure that Fenril will not open the gifts in front of his guests.

"You can do it with your best friend without malice. Don't be affected by what people would think of you. As long as you know yourself, you will not lose your mind," Andrew said.

"That's so sweet of you. Thank you for helping me, Andrew and Keidi. I will take note of this," Joffiel said.

She's very proud of how Andrew thinks positively. She needs someone like him to spread kindness and let him be their inspiration.

"No problem. If you need help, don't be shy, just ask us," Andrew said.

Keidi and Joffiel went home. Joffiel listed down all her needs so that this coming weekend, she will just buy it all.

She downloaded photos of Fenril to be her reference. This is her first time painting a person's portrait.

"I hope he will like this kind of gift. People here have a lot of events. Aren't they spending too much money? Oh well, it's their money so they can do whatever they want," Joffiel said to herself.

She went to her bed. She's really adapting to human's activity. The difference is she does not feel tired or exhausted. Even if she chooses not to sleep, her strength will not be changed.

Now, she's looking forward to her next task. The transition is fast but for Joffiel, it is a good sign. The earlier she can finish the tasks, the more chances that she will become a real angel.